Algal Biomass to Hydrogen: A Circular Approach for Sustainable Hydrogen Production Via Eco-friendly Supercritical Water Technology

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The project's aim is to enhance the process of production of hydrogen-rich gas, by gasification of microalgae in supercritical water (SCW) medium. In general, algal biomass contains 20-30% carbohydrate, 10-20% lipid, and 40-60% protein. The ratio of the algae's composition fractions influences the effect of catalysts (K2CO3 or NaOH) and gasification products. The project will investigate hydrothermal conversion of algal biomass to H2-rich gas in a catalytic continuous process of supercritical water gasification (SCWG). Selected strains of wet microalgae (MA) are grown by modern methods (in a photo-bioreactor boosted light delivery, developed at University of Birmingham) to provide algal biomass feedstock. The project seeks to address the following: -The impact of catalysts' composition (single and multi-component catalysts) on the H2 % in the gas stream. -The influence of SCWG partial oxidation of feedstock on enhancing the process efficiency. -Investigation of energy recovery/reuse scenarios via computer simulation, to increase the energy positivity of SCWG gasification (critical deliverable). -Investigation of the products' separation and recycling of any components beneficial to algal growth, hence implementing circularity (critical deliverable). The criteria would be product purity, quantity, waste minimisation (towards circular economy), energy integration and economic feasibility. The aim of this PhD programme is to establish the best route to achieve the above-mentioned criteria.The main deliverables of the project are: -Fully operating laboratory-scale continuous SCW gasification prototype. -Detailed design of continuous SCW gasification process, covering all aspects that influence maximum H2 production and recovery. -Fully designed, energy integrated continuous process with maximum efficiency and minimal waste.-At least 2 scientific publications and presentation of work in at least 2 relevant international conferences.